The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen. Photo: WeChat account “香港中文大学深圳”

Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School. Photo: WeChat account “北京大学深圳研究生院”

SZU Yuehai Campus. Photo: WeChat account “爱深大”

Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen Campus. Photo: WeChat account “中山大学”

Get ready, foodies and explorers! Shenzhen just unlocked a delicious new perk: The canteens at six of its top universities are now open to the public. No student ID card is needed — just walk in, pick your dish, and pay directly with WeChat or Alipay. It’s the perfect combo: A chance to explore beautiful campuses and savor affordable, diverse meals.

Shenzhen University

Shenzhen University (SZU) has two campuses worth exploring.

Yuehai campus must-sees: Zhiyi Building (the iconic “Holey” building), Zhili Building, Wenshan Lake (home to black swans), Alumni Square, and the Welcoming Pine

Lihu campus must-sees: sports field, student dormitory buildings, Qiming Building (library), and the large lawn at Houde Square

Canteen picks:

Yuehai Campus — Tingshan Restaurant: Try the sizzling plate rice, BBQ, steamed dishes in bamboo baskets, noodles, and spicy “Boboji” chicken.

Lihu Campus — Fam Restaurant: Don’t miss the stone pot bibimbap, Shaanxi-style noodles, and the scrambled egg rice on the third floor.

Info:

Visitor surcharge: +30% for visitors

Payment: Recommended spots accept WeChat Pay.

Opening for visit: Open daily for visits, except for major holidays, from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. Visitors must leave by 8 p.m.

Address and Metro:

Yuehai Campus: 3688 Nanhai Blvd, Nanshan District

Metro: Line 1 to Shenzhen University Station (深大站), Exit A2

Lihu Campus: 1066 Xueyuan Ave, Nanshan District

Metro: Line 7 to SZU Lihu Campus Station (深大丽湖站), Exit A

Admission: Free. Booking required in advance.

Shenzhen University Town

This unique area houses three prestigious universities side-by-side.

Must-sees:

Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS): swans and ducks at the Swan Lake

Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School (PKU Shenzhen): the Information Engineering Building and the Mirror Lake

Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) Shenzhen: the rocket model in front of the main teaching building

Canteen picks:

Tsinghua SIGS — Heyuan No.1 Canteen: Yunnan-style rice noodles, Cantonese BBQ, and the abundant, affordable self-service buffet on the second floor

PKU Shenzhen — Yanyuan No.1 Canteen: self-service buffet, Qinghai beef noodles, spicy tossed dishes; Yanyuan No.2 Canteen: flavorful fried rice, spicy hot pot/mala tang, Chongqing noodles

HIT Shenzhen — Liyuan No.1 Canteen: crab roe & minced pork noodles, beef rice, Cantonese BBQ, dry-fried beef

Note: Liyuan No.3 & No.4 canteens are only open on weekends/holidays.

Info:

Visitor surcharge: +30% for visitors

Opening for visit: Bookings can be made for same-day or next-day entry.

Address: All located in Xili University Town, Nanshan District.

Metro:

Tsinghua SIGS: Line 7 to Xili Lake Station (西丽湖站), Exit D

PKU Shenzhen: Line 7 to Peking University Station (北大站), Exit C

HIT Shenzhen: Line 7 to Xili Lake Station (西丽湖站), Exit B; then walk or take a bike ride for 1.3 km

Admission: Free. Booking required in advance.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen

Nestled in Longgang District, this breathtaking campus blends modern “urban courtyard” architecture with serene natural landscapes, perfect for a relaxing stroll or photos.

Must-sees: harmonious architecture, lakeside path by the Shenxian Lake Reservoir

Canteen picks:

Lixuan Tea Restaurant (authentic Hong Kong-style), Yifan Fengshun Restaurant (noodle-focused), Xiangbo Restaurant (Xinjiang fried rice noodles, lamb), Haiyueting Restaurant (Cantonese flavors, Yunnan/Guizhou rice noodles)

Info:

Special note: This is a smoke-free campus.

Opening for visit: Open on weekends and public holidays only, from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Enter via South Gate, Old South Gate, or East Gate.

Address: 2001 Longxiang Ave, Longgang District

Metro:Line 16 to Universiade Center Station (大运中心站), Exit D; then walk or take a short bike ride

Admission: Free. No prior booking needed for individuals. Present your ID card for registration at the gate.

Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen Campus

Located in Guangming District, this campus features distinct architecture and lovely views.

Must-sees: the red-brick, castle-style library, the unique science & engineering building complex, the hilltop viewing platform, and the tranquil lakeside walkway

Canteen picks:

Dongyuan (East) Canteen: Mixue Ice Cream & Tea, McDonald’s, soup noodles, roasted chicken, BBQ

Xiyuan (West) Canteen: northern-style stir-fries, beef rice, Lanzhou beef noodles

Info:

Visitor surcharge: +10% for visitors

Opening for visit: Open on weekends/holidays at 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Address: 66 Gongchang Rd, Guangming District

Metro: Line 6 spur to Sun Yat-sen University Station (中大站), Exit C

Admission: Free. Booking required in advance.

Booking

For universities requiring advance booking, reservations are typically made via their official WeChat public accounts. Search for the university’s name (e.g., “深圳大学”) on WeChat, find their official account, and look for the “校园参观” (campus visit) or “预约” (booking) function.